In Grenada County, Mississippi, the Elliott community is grappling with the aftermath of an EF-2 tornado that struck the rural area three days ago. The severe storms have left 217 people homeless, injured 27, and resulted in six fatalities, according to Governor Tate Reeves.
Elliott Baptist Church has become a hub for disaster relief efforts, where volunteers are organizing and distributing donations to aid affected residents. For many longtime locals, this marks the first time a tornado has swept through their area, leaving a trail of disbelief and devastation.
Bobby Wayne Frazier, a cattle farmer in the community, recounted discovering the destruction of his shop and carport. “It’s material stuff. They sell that stuff every day. I built it one time. I can build it again,” Frazier remarked, displaying resilience in the face of loss.
On Sayles Road, where the tornado’s impact was particularly severe, residents have expressed gratitude for the overwhelming volunteer response. Marjorie Morgan, a 90-year-old resident whose entire family resides in the affected area, noted the swift and generous help from the community. “You don’t believe that you have that many friends until something happens,” Morgan said.
The community continues to rally together as recovery and rebuilding efforts proceed.
